2026 Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary – Fully Funded for Black Women in Maritime Studies (SAIMI)
- Omran Aburayya
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you are a young Black South African woman aspiring to build a career in the maritime sector—whether in marine engineering, ocean sciences, shipping law, aquaculture, logistics, or any oceans-economy field—the Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary Programme 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious fully funded bursary by the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) supports full-time undergraduate and postgraduate studies, empowering women from previously disadvantaged groups to enter and excel in the maritime industry. Applications for the 2026 academic cycle close 05 December 2025.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: South Africa
Host Institution: Accredited South African universities offering approved maritime-related programmes
Study Level: Undergraduate, Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, PhD
Target Group: Young Black South African women from previously disadvantaged, designated groups
Fields of Study: Maritime-related qualifications (full list provided below)
Value & Coverage:
Full tuition fees
Textbooks
Subsidised accommodation, meals, or transport (NSF-determined limits)
Participation in SAIMI-hosted events
Membership/participation opportunities in maritime and science bodies (e.g., WISTA-SA, WIMA)
Duration: Duration of the registered qualification (subject to annual performance review)
Application Deadline: 05 December 2025 (23:59, midnight)
📚 Programme Overview
The Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary honours the legacy of Ms. Sindiswa Nhlumayo, former Executive Head of the Centre for Maritime Excellence at SAMSA. She played a pivotal role in expanding maritime skills development, leading the National Cadet Programme, and advancing innovation and career awareness in South Africa’s ocean economy.
This bursary continues her work by supporting young Black women to access higher education in maritime-related fields while fostering participation in professional networks such as WISTA-SA and Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA). Beneficiaries gain academic funding, industry exposure, mentorship opportunities and inclusion in maritime science bodies—creating pathways for leadership in the oceans economy.
📖 Eligible Study Fields
Below is the complete list of all eligible degree programmes and levels for the Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary Programme 2026.
1). Undergraduate Qualifications
Certificate course in Aquaculture
Diploma programmes:
Maritime Studies
Marine Engineering
Marine Science
Meteorology
Transport Management
Logistics
National Diplomas:
Port & Harbour Engineering
Marine Electronics Communication Engineering
Diploma/Advanced Diploma programmes:
Nautical Studies
Maritime Studies
Shipping and Logistics
Bachelor Degrees:
B Eng Marine Engineering
BSc Animal Production (Aquaculture focus)
BSc Zoology and Entomology
BSc Geological Sciences
BSc Microbiology
BSc Applied Geology
BSc Oceanography
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Marine Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Marine Engineering
BSc/BCom Maritime Transportation and Logistics
BSc Environmental Sciences / Environmental Management / Environmental Studies
2). Honours Qualifications
BSc Honours programmes:
Marine Ecology
Aquatic Health
Zoology and Entomology
Environmental Sciences / Environmental Management / Environmental Studies
Geological Sciences / Applied Geology
Oceanography
BCom Honours: Maritime Economics
Postgraduate Diplomas:
Maritime Studies
Maritime Law
Maritime Transport
Marine & Environmental Law
Aquaculture
Maritime Transport Economics
3). Master’s Qualifications
Master of Laws (LLM):
Shipping Law
Marine & Ship Surveying
Maritime Studies
Ocean Governance
Master’s degrees:
MPhil/MCom in Maritime Studies
MSc Zoology and Entomology
MSc Applied Geology
MSc Oceanography
Master of Maritime Management
Master of Philosophy in Ports and Shipping
Marine & Environmental Law (LLM Professional Master’s / LLM coursework & dissertation / MPhil coursework & dissertation)
MBA (maritime-related research topic)
4). PhD Qualifications
PhD programmes in:
Botany
Zoology and Entomology
Microbiology
Oceanography
Shipping Law
Maritime Law
Marine & Ship Surveying
Applied Geology
Oceanography
Development Studies (maritime focus)
DBA (maritime-related research topic)
💲 Programme Benefits
Academic Coverage
Full tuition fees
Textbooks
Living Support (NSF Approved Allowances)
Subsidised accommodation (for students staying away from home)
Meal allowance
Subsidised transport (for students living at home)
Professional Exposure
Attendance at SAIMI conferences and selected maritime events
Participation in women-in-maritime bodies (WISTA-SA, WIMA, etc.)
Opportunity to become part of SAIMI’s broader maritime networks
Additional Support
Annual academic progress reviews
Continuity of funding up to completion of the qualification (subject to meeting performance requirements)
✅ Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility
Must be a South African female citizen, with a valid SA ID.
Must be from previously disadvantaged, designated groups.
Must be a full-time student.
Must be:
In Grade 12, or
In possession of an NSC, or
Holding an undergraduate/postgraduate qualification (depending on level applied for).
Must have provisional acceptance or full acceptance into a qualification listed in Annexure A.
Must fall under the “missing middle” income category (household income between R350,000 – R600,000 per year).
Must meet academic requirements:
Undergraduate applicants: High school results with strong performance (70–100%).
Honours/Postgraduate: Minimum 65% average at undergraduate level.
ℹ️ Additional Notes
SAIMI does not fund historical debt.
Only the first submitted application will be considered.
Applications must be submitted in PDF format only.
Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
📝 Application Procedure
Download the application form from SAIMI’s official website: https://saimi.co.za/article/bursaries/
Complete the form accurately and ensure all sections are filled.
Prepare all supporting documents (see next section).
Scan all documents into a single clear PDF file.
Email the completed application and documents to: bursary@saimi.co.za
Submit before 05 December 2025 at 23:59.
Await acknowledgement and further communication via email or phone.
🗂️ Documents Required
Prepare the following (certified where applicable):
For Undergraduate Applicants
Completed application form
Motivation letter (up to 500 words)
Certified Matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results
Academic transcript (if already studying)
Provisional acceptance letter
Official quotation for tuition and textbooks
Affidavit for unemployed parents/guardian
Proof of household income / SASSA letter
Certified copy of applicant’s ID
Certified copies of parents’/guardian’s IDs or death certificate
For Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's Applicants
Completed application form
An 800-word motivation covering:
Research topic
Problem statement
Importance of research to society
Why you should be funded
Certified copies of relevant qualifications and transcripts
Provisional acceptance letter
Tuition & textbook quotations
Financial statement of current student account (if applicable)
Affidavit confirming employment/unemployment
Proof of income
Proof of household income / SASSA letter
Certified ID copies (applicant + parent/guardian)
For PhD Applicants
All documents required for postgraduate applications
Research proposal aligned with maritime focus areas
🆗 Review & Selection Process
Applications are evaluated by the SAIMI Bursary Committee.
Selection is based on academic merit, financial need, and programme relevance.
Beneficiaries must maintain 65% average annually.
Annual review determines continuation of funding.
Students may appeal a termination decision within 7 days (final decision rests with the Committee).
Beneficiaries must submit certified results each semester.
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Start Early: Begin compiling your documents (motivation letter, certified transcripts, provisional acceptance, proof of income) well before the deadline. This gives you time to correct any gaps.
Write a Strong Motivation Letter
For undergraduate: clearly articulate your passion for maritime fields and how this bursary will help you contribute to the ocean economy.
For postgraduate: focus on your research topic, its societal impact, and why you’re the right candidate. Use concrete examples and keep within the word limits.
Be Precise with Your Financials: Provide accurate and verifiable proof of household income (e.g., payslips, SASSA letters) and explain any special financial circumstances (like unemployment) with an affidavit. Transparency builds trust.
Maintain Academic Excellence: Ensure your grades are competitive (especially if you already study). For undergraduates, strong matric results help; for postgraduates, a 65%+ average is required to continue.
Prepare Your Acceptance Letter: If you haven’t yet received a full acceptance letter, request a provisional acceptance from your university — this is required. Make sure it's from an accredited institution and for an eligible maritime-related qualification.
Scan & Format Carefully: Follow SAIMI’s PDF-only requirement. Combine all required documents into one clean, readable PDF. Avoid photos of documents; use scanned or high-resolution PDFs to ensure clarity.
Double-Check Your Application before Submission: Review the form and documents to confirm every field is complete, and supporting paperwork is included and legible.
Adhere Exactly to Deadlines: Submit your application by 05 December 2025 at 23:59. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Follow Up: After submitting, monitor your email and phone for confirmation. If you don’t hear back, a polite follow-up to bursary@saimi.co.za can clarify whether your application was received.
Network and Engage: Research and express genuine interest in women-in-maritime networks (e.g., WISTA-SA, WIMA). Demonstrating your intent to participate in these bodies strengthens your application and shows commitment beyond academics.
